Spring Day 5 Wrap-Ups (and Video)

Woops, neglected Mr. Cut's news compilation from last night -- KHON has news about Jacob Patek signing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and KHNL has more quotes from new coaches Chris Tormey and Gordy Shaw, who rave about the fan support in Hawaii.



Stephen Tsai profiles quarterback Shane Austin.

"I was always the small quarterback," said Austin, who is now 6 feet and 200 pounds. "To compensate, I had to make sure I had the perfect technique just to keep up with everybody. And I got good coaching."

One of his coaches was Bob Gagliano, a former Nation Football League quarterback. Austin said he also learned from former UH coaches June Jones and Mouse Davis, and now Rolovich.

"All of those little things, like slapping the wall, really helped," Austin said. "My passes started developing into nice spirals. Now it's second nature. I'm very fortunate I got all of that work when I was younger."

Tsai also talks to senior right guard Raphael Ieru.

Jason Kaneshiro has an article featuring Corey Paredes, Leon Wright-Jackson, and safety Spencer Smith.

Smith is part of a rebuilding project in the secondary after the Warriors lost safeties Keao Monteilh, Erik Robinson and Desmond Thomas last year.

He'd been just outside of the top units since joining the program in 2006. While he played a reserve role in practice the last two seasons following a redshirt year, Smith established himself as a key member of the kickoff and punt teams in 2007 and again last season.

"He was our best special teams player," UH head coach Greg McMackin said. "When I came here (in 1999 and 2007), I looked at the special teams guys because usually the best players on special teams are going to be a good defensive player for you. He was our best special teams player last year and I expect him to see a lot of time this year."

Robert Collias of The Maui News profiles running back Jayson Rego, who is poised to earn an engineering degree.

Rego is still stuck at third on the Hawaii depth chart, behind returning starter Leon Wright-Jackson and converted quarterback Inoke Funaki as the Warriors prepare for a rare spring visit to War Memorial Stadium on Saturday, but in May 2010, he will walk through the Stan Sheriff Center to pick up his civil engineering diploma.

He will be the first UH player to earn an engineering degree in more than three decades. For civil engineering, he will be the first one ever.

And Wes Nakama writes that the All-Poly Camp will be held at the Ko Olina Resort.

Te'o said he already received responses from 23 Hawai'i high school coaches and about 100 of their players have signed up to attend the camp.

McMackin and the UH coaching staff also got on board to participate, despite the double-edged sword of more exposure of local recruits to Mainland coaches.

"I think it's very positive," McMackin said after Monday morning's spring practice. "I can't think of a better place to have the All-Poly Camp than Hawai'i. I think it's great, it gives us a chance to look at different players."

Te'o added, "We want to work with UH, we want them to succeed."